Paul Scholes could have been tempted out of international retirement had Fabio Capello asked him sooner.
The Manchester United midfielder called time on his England career six years ago and decided against reversing his decision ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, however, the 35-year-old revealed the decision had a lot to do with the timing of the enquiry from England's coach.
He told the...Full Story »

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has warned his side's first World Cup opponents Spain not to expect an easy start to life in South Africa on June 16.
After drawing 1-1 with Italy in Geneva, Hitzfeld has given his squad several days off before they meet in Zurich on Wednesday for their flight to Johannesburg and he insisted the Swiss are not just going to make up the numbers.
He said. "Spain ...Full Story »

Denmark coach Morten Olsen is weighing up whether to risk Nicklas Bendtner and Simon Kjaer in their opening World Cup match against Holland.
The pair have both been struggling with injuries and, although they took part in a training session on Sunday, they are still doubtful for the Johannesburg clash.
Olsen said in Jyllands-Posten: "We must decide whether to risk them in the first game. Shoul...Full Story »

Coach Huh Jung-moo has confirmed Park Ji-sung is back to full fitness and ready for South Korea's World Cup opener against Greece on Saturday.
The Manchester United midfielder sat out the Taeguk Warriors' final warm-up match against Spain with a minor thigh injury but has returned to training without experiencing any further problems.
"Park Ji-sung is fine. He felt a slight soreness on his ham...Full Story »

Holland winger Arjen Robben has confirmed he has a small tear in his left hamstring but is hoping intense physiotherapy will help him take part in the World Cup.
Robben came on as a substitute in Saturday's 6-1 thrashing of Hungary but was forced off five minutes from time and although the initial diagnosis was gloomy, Robben is hoping he can still play a key role in South Africa.
He told Stud...Full Story »

Didier Drogba has undergone successful surgery on his broken arm and will link up with his Ivory Coast team-mates on Monday.
Drogba sustained the injury in Friday's friendly against Japan following a heavy challenge from opposing central defender Tulio and was immediately sent for an operation in Bern.
Ivory Coast Federation spokesman Roger Kouassi announced the surgery was a success, saying: ...Full Story »

Argentina defender Martin Demichelis has hit out at the critics who wrote off his team's chances of winning the World Cup.
After scraping through qualifying in their final game, few thought Diego Maradona's erratic style of management would bring Argentina any success in South Africa. But as the tournament gets closer, suddenly the sheer depth in quality at Maradona's disposal is starting to be...Full Story »

The Football Association have vowed not to take any risks with player and supporter safety ahead of England's friendly against the Platinum Stars on Monday in the wake of Sunday's stampede at a similar match between Nigeria and North Korea.
Sixteen people were hospitalised when fans surged to gain entry to the match at the Makhulong Stadium in the township of Tembisa. Tickets for that match, as...Full Story »

• Spurs defender hopes knee won't hinder his progress• 'To be here is something I will never forget,' says King
The return of Ledley King to prominence is a heart-warming tale that tempts supporters to ignore any little shiver they feel over a defender whose damaged knee has a fame of its own. Fabio Capello looks likely to turn to him for England's opening World Cup match with the...Full Story »

USA 3-1 Australia
This eventful match in Roodepoort held the crowd's interest, but the array of incidents would have been a particular pleasure to the watching Franco Baldini, England's general manager. The three goals for the victors will have counted for less than the realisation that the USA lacked resilience and organisation. There will have to be much improvement if they are to be in sha...Full Story »